Gear selector seal leaking

Maintenance advice to keep your Spider in shape.
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That

Gear selector seal leaking

Post by That »

I have a tranny leak, I suspect is coming from faulty gear selector shaft seal. Thus leak seems to be diminishing each time I drive Fiat. Could it be that as level of oil goes down, the seal is going to leak less and less until it gets to certain level, then stops?? (Hopefully, there will still be adequate oil in tranny to properly lubricate)
Just a theory I had. Tell me if this is possible, or that I am wrong. Thanks to all.
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Nanonevol
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Posts: 828
Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2014 9:17 am
Your car is a: 1977 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: Medway, Massachusetts

Re: Gear selector seal leaking

Post by Nanonevol »

Why not check the level? Unscrew the fill plug on the right side of the transmission.
1977 Fiat Spider
1985 Jaguar XJ6
1967 Triumph Bonneville (hard-tail chopper)
1966 BSA Lightning
That

Re: Gear selector seal leaking

Post by That »

I did. No oil came out, but I just changed it last week. My plan is to wait til leak quits, (hopefully soon) then refill case to level of fill plug and measure how much oil it required. If only an ounce or two, will just leave as is. Obviously, if leak continues for quite a while and it requires more than a few ounces, I will replace leaking seal.
vandor
Posts: 3996
Joined: Sat May 23, 2009 1:23 pm
Your car is a: 1971 124 Spider
Location: Texas, USA

Re: Gear selector seal leaking

Post by vandor »

Actually very little oil can make quite a big puddle, so you have to have a pretty healthy leak for the level to drop. The trans holds about 1.5 quarts of oil. Imagine if you poured just half a quart of oil on the floor! It would likely cover an area the size of the car.
Csaba
'71 124 Spider, much modified
'17 124 Abarth, silver
http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/
Co-owner of the best dang Fiat parts place in town
That

Re: Gear selector seal leaking

Post by That »

Csaba, thanks for reply. I'm wondering if the leak will stop after oil level drops to a certain point in the case? It has diminished somewhat. What makes it worse, the leak drops onto the driveshaft and the gets slung all over underneath . However, when I pArk in garage, leak is always in same place. A couple inches aft of the 'donut' connection, directly under the shifter pivot plate. You think it will eventually stop? Then, if it does, will the level of oil still be sufficient to protect and lubricate tranny?? Sorry for so many questions. I'm an old man and have no one to do my repairs so try to minimize them. Thank you for your time and expertise.
vandor
Posts: 3996
Joined: Sat May 23, 2009 1:23 pm
Your car is a: 1971 124 Spider
Location: Texas, USA

Re: Gear selector seal leaking

Post by vandor »

No, I don't it will stop.
Csaba
'71 124 Spider, much modified
'17 124 Abarth, silver
http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/
Co-owner of the best dang Fiat parts place in town
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KevAndAndi
Posts: 531
Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2014 12:14 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Fiat Spider 2000
Location: Chatham, NJ

Re: Gear selector seal leaking

Post by KevAndAndi »

Don't want to put words in anyone's mouth, but I would guess Csaba meant to write, "No, I don't think it will stop."
Kevin
1981 Spider 2000
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